The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has recently announced a new policy aimed at promoting safer gambling practices by imposing deposit limits for certain players under the age of 25. While this initiative has garnered attention, experts like Dr. Jeffrey Derevensky view it as merely a small advancement in responsible gaming.
According to OLG's announcement, the new measure is designed to address the increasing gambling engagement among individuals under 25, a demographic identified as potentially more susceptible to gambling-related issues. However, the specifics of which players will be affected remain unclear.
In a response to inquiries from Gambling Insider, OLG spokesperson Tony Bitonic explained that the policy activates when a player under 25 makes a deposit of $500 or more in a single transaction. At that point, they will be prompted to establish a deposit limit.
Bitonic further clarified that OLG monitors all player activities and intervenes when necessary, but the scope of this new policy is limited. Dr. Derevensky, who leads the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviours at McGill University, expressed his concerns regarding the selective nature of this policy.
“It’s a good start,” Derevensky remarked during a call, “but they’re not enforcing deposit limits; they’re merely suggesting that players set them.” He pointed out that many jurisdictions implement maximum deposit limits applicable to all players, not just those under 25. Derevensky questioned why OLG does not extend this precaution to all players, emphasizing that a more comprehensive approach would be beneficial.
He believes that deposit limits should be obligatory for all players, not just a select group. “If OLG sought my advice, I would recommend implementing mandatory deposit limits for everyone,” he stated.
OLG’s president and CEO, Duncan Hannay, emphasized that the intention behind introducing deposit limits is not to restrict player choice but to empower individuals to reflect on their spending habits. He noted that the initiative is grounded in research and best practices to foster safer gaming behaviors among younger players.
Stan Cho, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, reiterated the government's commitment to responsible gaming, highlighting the importance of balancing player choice with protective measures. He described the initiative as a collaborative effort between the government, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to enhance player safety in Ontario's gaming landscape.
Despite these efforts, Derevensky remains firm in his stance that effective policy should require all players to set deposit limits, advocating for a more robust framework to protect vulnerable individuals from gambling-related harms.